1. Meghalaya exhibits a stark contrast in air quality between Shillong and Byrnihat.
2. Shillong is recognized for its clean air, while Byrnihat is among India’s most polluted areas.
3. Byrnihat, located just 75 kilometers from Shillong, highlights the state’s environmental challenges.
Shillong, Oct 31: A striking contrast in air quality between two cities in Meghalaya underscores the growing environmental challenges facing the northeastern state.
Shillong, renowned for its clean air, stands in stark contrast to Byrnihat, which is just 75 kilometers away and ranks among the most polluted areas in India.
Recent measurements from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveal that Byrnihat recorded a hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) of 276, while Shillong continues to enjoy significantly cleaner air.
This discrepancy highlights the adverse effects of rapid industrialization in Byrnihat’s industrial belt.
The pollution crisis in Byrnihat escalated last month when authorities closed six industrial units following inspections led by Forest and Environment Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar.
These facilities were found to be operating with PM2.5 levels nearly double the permissible limits and were lacking the required pollution monitoring equipment.
The closed units had repeatedly disregarded directives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board regarding emissions control. They failed to monitor critical pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
In contrast, Shillong is now listed alongside Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) and Nalbari (Assam) as one of India’s cities with the cleanest air.
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This creates a complex challenge for Meghalaya’s environmental authorities, who must strive to maintain Shillong’s pristine air quality while simultaneously addressing the industrial pollution crisis in Byrnihat.
Other major urban centers in India are also grappling with poor air quality.
Delhi has reported an AQI of 268, and neighboring cities such as Gurugram and Ghaziabad are experiencing similarly poor air quality levels, which pose significant health risks to their residents.
